REACTION: “Massive For Us”

Head Coach Zola’s thoughts on 6-1 win at Elland Road

GIANFRANCO ZOLA believes the Hornets’ 6-1 win over Leeds United can be “massive” for the club as they look to kick-on over the remainder of the season.

Watford matched their score line from The Den two seasons ago as they made the most of their chances against Neil Warnock’s men.

“It is good to have a victory like this as it is important for morale, for the league table...for many reasons,” explained Zola.

“Today was a very good result with good goals

“We needed a confidence boost and this game can provide this. It was massive for us.”

The visitors took a one-goal lead through Matej Vydra into the break after the home side had hit the post and Manuel Almunia made a great save from Luke Varney, while Leeds themselves were reduced to 10 men when Jason Pearce was shown a red card.

Warnock’s bold double substitution at the start of the second backfired when Rodolph Austin was stretchered from the field, leaving the Whites with nine men after they’d use all three subs.

For Zola, the injuries sustained by both Leeds and the Hornets was the only downside to the afternoon.

“I am disappointed for Almen Abdi, who has an injury, as I am for their player. That was the only bad things about today.”

Throughout the 90 minutes, Watford were threatening on the counter attack and Zola praised Ikechi Anya - who replaced the suspended Daniel Pudil on the left as part of a five-man midfield - as well as goalscorers Abdi and Matej Vydra,

“I thought Matej Vydra was exceptional today, as was Almen – he was vital.

“When Matej gets in those situations in front of goal he is very focused. The quality of the goals was very good, but I’m pleased for the whole team. It wasn’t an easy game for us.

“The team kept their shape and opportunities. Competition is such as important thing, I made five changes and that keeps everyone alive.

“Ikechi was creating a lot of problems. He’s a good player, he can give us an extra bit going forward, it may have seemed like a gamble but it was good for us.

“We now have a bit of momentum and the confidence levels are going up.”

Abdi was taken to hospital after the game with a shoulder injury. We’ll bring you an update over the next few days here at watfordfc.com